The human body is one of the most exquisitely crafted machines, with a complex array of inter- and intra-connected systems functioning continuously, and in harmony. Nourishing and replenishing the body with the proper fuel in the right quantity and at the right time greatly influences the performance and health of the body system. The fuel for our body is food and this food must contain three major ingredients - proteins, carbohydrates, and fats - along with vitamins, minerals, and water to achieve proper nutrition. These substances are used for building tissues as they wear out and die, to keep the body in good working condition, and to supply the energy needs of the body. For good nutrition a person should eat a well-balanced diet, that is, one that provides an adequate amount of each of the classes of nutrients, furnishing at the same time an adequate but not excessive amount of calories for the body's energy needs. The food that we consume may sometimes prove to be insufficient for the body's needs and can result in fatigue, stress, and serious health problems. Combating this insufficiency is easy now, as the nutritional supplements industry has become so evolved that it has products that cater virtually to the needs and requirements of every type of cell in the body. Just look at the broad spectrum of supplements ranging from Vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, C, D, E, K, Biotin, Folic acid, and glyconutrients (the large sugar polymers containing monosaccharides which are important nutritional ingredients used by the body to assemble glycoproteins, the molecules that function as a sort of cellular braille for cell-to-cell communication. Each glycoprotein is known to contain at least one of eight essential sugars: galactose, glucose, mannose, N-acetylneuraminic acid, fucose, N-acetylgalactosamine, N-acetylglucosamine, and xylose.). Nutritional supplements are available in tablet, capsule, powder, and liquid tincture form. Powders and liquids are particularly suitable for children, the elderly, and convalescents, as the body easily absorbs them. It's better to take supplements at room temperature with cool water. Avoid drinking tea or coffee within 15 minutes of taking a nutritional supplement as it can interfere with nutrient absorption by the body. Dosages must be observed when taking supplements. The dosages for children are always much lower than those for adults, and men may require slightly larger doses than women. If in doubt, seek advice from a nutritional therapist. Let's look at some nutritional supplements and their therapeutic uses: Bioflavonoids help in assisting the uptake and use of vitamin C in the body and help to maintain the strength of blood vessels. Some are also potent antioxidants. These are useful for people with varicose veins, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, haemorrhoids, bruises, menstrual problems, cold sores or anemia, or for those who wish to maintain healthy blood vessels. Digestive enzymes are also available as supplements. These are necessary for smokers, those with a high intake of alcohol, the elderly, and the chronically sick, whose bodies produce fewer enzymes. Glucosamine and chrondroitin provide the essential elements your body needs to maintain healthy joints and connective tissue. Pycnogenolis, an herbal extract, contains proanthocyanidin. This has a similar structure to bioflavonoids and is a powerful antioxidant. It's an immune-system booster and helps to strengthen blood vessel walls and capillaries. It also has an especially beneficial effect on lung tissue. The developments in the research for new nutritional supplements may get a boost with the advent of nanotechnology. The next big leap in nutritional supplements may change the entire food habit to a leaner, focused 'cell energy management system.' |
